[Graham]

Originally posted by Fran
I dont mean to be cheeky Gadget,

Don't worry Fran, you'll soon get the hang of the forum

Originally posted by Fran
but then perhaps there could be something gained for the men in practicing a stance which looks and feels good for them while the lady is spining or learn to do some extra spinning yourself. A lot of women easily do mulitple spins ( although I am not really one of them) are you suggesting that all these ladies should stop and stick to 1 spin?
I am not sure that double spinning is really improvisation in its true sense.

I agree - multiple spinning is technically an improvisation, but not really in the same category as breaks etc. I can easily cope with this (although it can be difficult with people who are just starting and finish off-beat), and I'm sure most men can.

Originally posted by Fran

great in an ideal world gadget , but the reality is that this does not happen very often and it then when it does it is usually with more confident and experienced leaders.

I agree with Fran. For one thing, one of you is quite likely to know the particular track better than the other, so a signal would avoid any misunderstandings about how long the improvisation is going to last. I think one of the most stylish things about breaks can be ending them by launching a new move just on a particular beat or note of the music, and this needs to be prepared for - if you wait until you actually hear the music change it'll be too late.

I'd say a signal for improvisation was analogous to the hand semicircle - it's taught in classes so that everyone can dance with anyone, but with partners who are used to each other or both very good it is superfluous and gets dropped.

In common with other posts, I think improvisation is something which could/should be taught at a workshop.